This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more…
Derby County have been linked with in-demand Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer.
The young goalscorer has been in good form for Villa this term, scoring goals for both the U23s and the senior side, and the Daily Mail has reported that a number of clubs are keen on a loan deal.
The Rams are said to be among those but would he be a good signing for them? And do they need him?
Our FLW writers share their thoughts...
Marcus Ally
The phrase ‘beggars can't be choosers’ springs to mind. In relation to Derby County in this January transfer window, but irrespective of that, adding Cameron Archer to their complement of young players would be an exciting addition.
It is tricky to know at this stage just where the Rams will need to strengthen due to potential outgoings but regardless of that Archer would add some quality strength in depth. Tom Lawrence and Luke Plange starting, with Colin Kazim-Richards as an impact substitute, has been an effective tactic for Rooney in recent weeks and Archer could slot in ahead of Sam Baldock in the pecking order.
It will be exciting to see how Archer gets on wherever he ends up this month, the 20-year-old was in red hot form in the Papa John’s Trophy and is one of many very intriguing prospects at Villa Park at the moment.
Josh Cole
Although Derby may need to strengthen their squad this month in order to boost their slim hopes of achieving survival in the Championship, they ought to steer clear of making a move for Archer.
Whilst the forward clearly possesses an abundance of talent, he has yet to make an appearance in the Championship during his career and thus he may need some time to adapt to life in this division.
When you consider that the Rams are currently able to call upon the services of Luke Plange and Colin Kazim-Richards who have both managed to score crucial goals for the club in recent fixtures, there is no guarantee that Archer will be an upgrade on this particular duo.
Keeping this in mind, Derby may find it beneficial to focus their attention on securing the services of some players who possess a wealth of experience at Championship level instead of pursuing a loan deal for Archer.
Billy Mulley
These are the kind of deals that could help Derby in their pursuit of surviving the Championship drop this season.
Cameron Archer is one of the most exciting talents coming through the ranks in English football at the moment, and that is justified by the sheer amount of interest in the young forward.
He has consistently proven himself within the U23s at Villa, whilst he has also demonstrated his class and abundance of ability in the EFL Trophy.
Derby have been lacking slightly in the final third, with the Rams continuing to look resolute and capable defensively, whilst winning the majority of midfield battles.
Archer adds an extra dimension to Derby's attacking play, and whilst Luke Plange has stepped in and done well, adding Archer will be a massive boost.